Can your smart watch save your life?

 

                  More and more every day I see ads with wearable technology, including rings, watches, necklaces and glasses. Many of these ads include star athletes from all sports. For example, Cristiano Ronaldo has been seen in ads for the WHOOP band. Boston Celtics star, Jaylen Brown, has also been seen promoting a neckband developed by Hapbee. Hapbee, a company that claims their neckband can elevate mood, boost productivity, and aid with sleep through magnetic waves. Additionally, companies like Apple, Fitbit, and WHOOP claim that their wearable technology can detect abnormal heart rhythms, monitor oxygen levels, and recognize critical situations in which a device can alert first responders. But how reliable are these wearable technologies?

 

            Most of these technologies are focusing on heart rhythms and oxygen levels, using these markers to determine other health metrics such as recovery and sleep. To track heart function, smartwatches use LED light technology that measures the blood volume beneath the skin. As our heart pumps with blood, the amount of LED light that is absorbed changes, allowing the device to estimate heart rate and blood volume. Although these technologies can provide some data on heart metrics, it is a common misconception that these technologies can detect a heart attack.

 

             In general, heart attacks occur when a coronary artery is blocked, cutting the oxygen supply to a certain part of heart muscle. In a hospital, a heart attack would normally be diagnosed using an ECG and blood tests to measure levels of troponin, a protein released when there is damage to heart tissues. These extensive tests are far more advanced than any capability a smartwatch may currently carry. However, while a current wearable technology cannot diagnose a heart attack it can often provide warning signs when measuring pulse and blood volume.

 

            Although, wearable technologies may not provide the same detection that a medical device may, they can still be invaluable in emergency situations. For example, in 2022 a hike in Utah suffered a severe fall while hiking in a remote area. His Apple watch detected the fall and sent his GPS coordinates to first responders, potentially saving his life.

 

            Wearable technologies have become a very common accessory and is trusted by many. Although these technologies do offer functions that allow users to monitor their heart function, potentially saving their lives, they should be used with caution. Ultimately, these technologies cannot currently become a substitute for professional medical care.

 

 

Graham, M. (2024, August 12). The big name athletes investing in Wearable Tech. Boardroom. https://boardroom.tv/the-big-name-athletes-investing-in-wearable-tech/

Lubitz, S. A., Faranesh, A. Z., Selvaggi, C., Atlas, S. J., McManus, D. D., Singer, D. E., Pagoto, S., McConnell, M. V., Pantelopoulos, A., & Foulkes, A. S. (2022). Detection of Atrial Fibrillation in a Large Population Using Wearable Devices: The Fitbit Heart Study. Circulation, 146(19), 1415–1424. https://doi-org.dml.regis.edu/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.122.060291

Microplastics: Should we be worried?

    Throughout high school and college, I would spend my summers working in construction with my dad. Every day before work we would stop at a gas station and purchase 24-pack of bottled water to drink throughout the day. Without fail, we would drink the entire pack in one day. Looking back, I can’t help but wonder how many microplastic particles we must have unknowingly consumed and if it has had or could have any future consequences.  

     Studies have shown that specifically, bottled water, contains high levels of microplastics when compared to regular tap water, with an average of about 300 particles per liter. A different study estimates that the average person consumes around 50,000 microplastics a year! Microplastics are plastic particles that are 5 mm or less. However, when most people think of microplastics they think of its subgroup, nano plastics, which are particles less than 1mm in size. Now the question is, what can these tiny particles do to us?

 

    Once microplastics have entered the body they can travel throughout the body via our blood and even cross cell membranes. In a study published by the journal of Environmental Science and Pollution Research, it was found that accumulation of microplastics in the ovaries of female mice led to a decreased size in follicles and ovaries. The accumulation of microplastics was also found to cause a significant decline in the pregnancy rate and embryo production among the mice, ultimately causing a decline in fertility. Lastly, as microplastic presence increased granulosa cell apoptosis increased, further inhibiting fertility. Granulosa cells are cells of the ovaries that produce hormones and support egg development. Although the study did not include much research on male mice, it is likely that there may be similar results.

    Microplastics have silently infiltrated almost every aspect of our daily lives, even showing up in the air we breathe. While research on the effects of microplastics is still on going, research that is available is pointing towards various ways in which microplastics can be harmful including causing inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and reproductive harm. I encourage everyone to do their part in minimizing these effects by taking preventative steps such as, using glass or metal water bottles, filtering tap water, and supporting legislation that prohibits further microplastic pollution.

Afreen, V., Hashmi, K., Nasir, R., Saleem, A., Khan, M. I., & Akhtar, M. F. (2023). Adverse health effects and mechanisms of microplastics on female reproductive system: a descriptive review. Environmental science and pollution research international, 30(31), 76283–76296. https://doi-org.dml.regis.edu/10.1007/s11356-023-27930-1

Mason SA, Welch VG, Neratko J. Synthetic Polymer Contamination in Bottled Water. Front Chem. 2018 Sep 11;6:407. doi: 10.3389/fchem.2018.00407. PMID: 30255015; PMCID: PMC6141690.